Police search for “person of interest” in Milwaukee murder

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police are asking for the public’s help in their search for a “person of interest” in connection with the murder of 42-year-old Abraham Assana.

Assana was outside Club Timbuktu near N. Holton and E. Center Streets on Saturday, June 30th when police say he was approached by two men. They say he was told to empty his pockets and to hand over everything. The robbers then apparently asked for Assana’s shoes. After he gave his shoes up, the men shot him.

Assana ran back to Club Timbuktu for help and collapsed in a patron’s arms. He later died.

Police now say the video below could help in their search for suspects in this case.

The video above was taken at Judy’s Red Hots (4812 W. Lisbon Ave.) two hours after the homicide of Assana — and shows video of a person of interest in the murder case.

Milwaukee police say the black man wearing a white T-shirt with a design on front with blue jeans, possibly red tennis shoes, very short hair, looking to be in his early 20s and about six feet tall with a thin build is the individual they are looking for additional information on.

Anyone who saw the man in question that night, or who has any information regarding his identity is urged to call 414-935-7360 and request to speak with a homicide detective.

Reine Assana, Abraham’s widow, spoke with reporters on Thursday, October 4th. She remembers her husband as being warm, compassionate and full of life.

“Abraham’s motto was every day is a holiday. You could never catch him stressed. He was always happy planning parties. He was always positive, was never pitiful, was never mad or angry at anybody,” Mrs. Assana said.

A substantial reward is being offered by the Assana family for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.

“Anybody out there with any information, whatever you know, please look into your hearts. Look at my face think about my two children,” Mrs. Assana said.